ENDOLUMINAL ULTRASOUND IN THE ASSESSMENT OF RECTAL-CANCER

Objective: To analyze prospectively the results of the first endorecta l ultrasonographies performed at the Coloproctology Unit of the Hospit al Mutua de Terrassa in patients with rectal tumors. Methods: During t he period between September 94 to June 95, 27 endorectal ultrasonograp hies were performed to patients with rectal tumors. The echographies w ere performed with a 360 degrees transducer. The ultrasound findings w ere compared to the histological results. Results: Three patients were not treated surgically, and were excluded from the analysis. In addit ion, three patients with perianastomotic recurrence were excluded. Of the remaining 21 patients the level of penetration in the rectal wall was correctly identified in 17 (81%). The presence of metastatic nodes was correctly assessed in 19 of the 24 patients explored (78%). Concl usion: For the preoperative assessment of rectal tumors, endorectal ul trasonography offers a good accuracy even during the learning curve.